packing up his clothes and things."

Mrs. LaGrange betrayed no surprise, no emotion of any kind. "Say
to him that I would like to see him in my room at once."

The girl disappeared, leaving Mrs. LaGrange to her own reflections,
which seemed anything but pleasant. The look of terror returned
to her face; she clinched her hands until the jewels cut deeply into
the white fingers; then, springing to her feet, she paced the room
wildly until she heard the footsteps of her son approaching, when
she instantly assumed her usual composure.

Walter LaGrange had left Fair Oaks immediately at the close of the
inquest, and had not returned except to be present at the funeral,
and even there his sullen appearance had caused general remark.
Very little love had ever existed between mother and son, for neither
had a nature capable of deep affection, but never until now had there
been any open rupture between them. Though closely resembling each
other, he lacked her ability to plan and execute, and had hitherto
been content to follow her counsels. But, as he now entered his
mother's room, a glance revealed to her that her authority and
influence over him were past.

"You sent for me, I believe. What do you want?" he asked, as she
looked at him without speaking.

"Do you consider your conduct becoming towards a mother who is
risking everything for you and your interests?"

"Oh, my interests be hanged," he exclaimed, petulantly. "I don't
see that you've accomplished much for my interests with all your
scheming. A week ago I could hold up my head with any of the
fellows. I was supposed to be a relative of Hugh Mainwaring's,
with good prospects, and that I would come in for a good round
sum whenever the old fellow made his will,--just as I did. Now
that's gone, and everything's gone; I haven't even a name left!"

"Walter LaGrange, what do you mean? Do you dare insinuate to your
own mother-"

"Why don't you call me Walter Mainwaring?" he sneered. "As to
insinuations, I have to hear plenty of 'em. Last night I was
black-balled at one of the clubs where my name had been presented
for membership, and a lot of the fellows have cut me dead."

"Walter, listen to me. You are Hugh Mainwaring's son and I was
his wife. I will yet compel people to recognize us as such; but
you must--"

"Tell me one thing," he demanded, interrupting her. "If I was Hugh
Mainwaring's son, why have I not borne his name? Why did he not
recogni